Psychic Training

Spirit Quest Essay

This course, so far, is my favorite. Other than I couldn’t wait a week for the next lesson, there was nothing in this course which I didn’t like. The pace seemed slow at first, until I truly practiced the assignments.

Blowing up roses didn’t settle well since flowers are so fleeting in Wyoming, so I substituted that exercise with “taking out the trash”. Instead of creating roses with energy, thoughts or whatever I desired to be rid of, I would imagine full, tied garbage bags being lifted and taken out through the crown chakra, then blown up and taken away by the Wyoming wind, sort of scattering ashes.

One of the many benefits to me from this course was learning to take responsibility for everything that happens in my life; ok maybe not everything which happens, but my reactions and subsequent effect I allow situations to happen in my life. This and learning to direct/reflect energies were at first quite empowering. I changed jobs, was able to negotiate terms of my employment, received all that I wanted in a job.

As with everything, the more personal power one feels, the more attractive one is to those that want to suck it up. I was amazed and overwhelmed how far reaching one’s personal power can go. That old saying “the universe abhors a vacuum” became shockingly apparent as people from all over the state started calling and needing my attention. I had to withdraw into myself for quite some time to learn how to handle the power without abusing it. That might be a lesson in itself for this course, although thankfully, there were plenty of exercises to get me through. Visualization has been one of the greatest tools from this course.

On a more personal note, I was able to change a four year relationship to something more comfortable for me. I was able to admit I should have listened to my instincts and never gotten into this relationship, and didn’t have to blame him. I truly loved the lesson on getting rid of blame, not only my blaming others but being a recipient of blame. We are still friends and I pray he gets his hearts desire, which leads me to another discovery.

Getting my Hearts Desire. Woah…talk about an eye opener. By cleaning out the chakras, asking the right questions, or trying to, I found some ugly desires in my heart. Many were instilled throughout my life by upbringing, society etc., but most was my refusal to let go, to forgive. Forgiveness was one of the earliest lessons in this course, but the hardest for me to accomplish until long into the course.

Something I would like to learn more on is how the weathers affects those on a Spirit Quest. I believe the more one is in tuned with themselves and the Universe the more one is affected by the weather. Personally, the more “trash” I take out, the less acceptable the weather where I live is to me. Well, that’ll be for another day.

Thank you and Blessed Be,

Rev. Linda Spicer

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Spirit Quest

Spirit Quest Course Essay

The first notable thing about the course is its down-to-earth and light tone. This was a welcome change from my law studies! Moreover, as each lesson is not too long, it makes for an easy and enjoyable read and leaves sufficient time for practice.

The course pointed to a number of good and pragmatic life principles, such as the need to take charge of one’s own life, the necessity to forgive, that creating and destroying are only two sides of the same coin and that none of the two is inherently bad, the power of letting go, the risks of spiritual competition, the power of affirmations and speaking in the positive, and asking the right questions, just to name a few.

I particularly appreciated the strong affirmatives of some of the lessons. You always have a choice. Trying is not enough to bring true achievements. You can’t change what you don’t own, but you should own what’s yours. The passages on the spiritual path and the law of karma closely matched my personal beliefs.

When I read the life principles explained in the course, I felt either in total agreement, or that I knew them deep within and just did not realize it up to then. These principles are easy to apply in one’s daily life and can improve quickly relationships and the way one sees himself.

One point for which I disagreed with the course was that the author seems to consider that the true nature of humans is their spirit, and that they merely inhabit a body. Although I do agree that the spirit is what survives death and later reincarnates, I think that the body is more than a temporary housing. While in the body, we are both spirit and body, mind and matter, both imbued with a divine spark.

The meditation techniques taught in the course are simple to use, especially when you are good at visualization. They are very relaxing and empowering, and also fun to use. The center of my head, grounding cords, golden suns, working with energy, creating and destroying rose, chakras… are now well-known. I initially had a few questions about the reason why we should use roses and not something else, but I quickly realized that I had come to be accustomed to the image and that it was effective.

I personally found running my energies slightly more difficult, but by coincidence I had been practicing breathing techniques that used a similar imagery with my fitness coach at about the same time, and the combination of both helped improve results.

These were enjoyable eight months, and I am pretty sure that the rest of my life will be likewise.

by Rev. Baudouin Heuninckx

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Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Spirit Quest
Coming into the ULC Seminary course, I was full of self-pity and felt very disillusioned by life. I was really empty. There were no answers to choose from. This was the last house on the street for me. Although I have always felt that I have had a strong connection to God, I have always had a difficult time figuring out how he worked. This course has started me on the right path in figuring it out.

I began using the tools right away. Every suggestion in every lesson I tried. For me, these saved my life. From creating roses, to clearing chakras, to creating my own reality. I have tried sending energy to myself and others, and have actually seen results.

Seeing in writing how Spirit Communicates was especially helpful to me. When I was younger, I always felt that the universe was speaking to me through music and color; especially music. But over the years, my ego has changed my mind. And, although I still listen for clues though music, my ego is still winning the battle at this point. I pray regularly for God to restore me to the innocence I had when I was young. The faith I had. This section of the course helped me to do that.

Learning about Karma is something every human being should know about. Being a Catholic, and studying the bible awhile with the Jehovah's witnesses; I have always been acutely aware that NO ONE seems to be able to just not sin to save their lives. Literally. From what I have seen of human behavior, the theory of Karma is the only solution to sin in this world. The only way I won't do something bad to someone else is to stop that same bad thing from happening to me.

But, the most important concept I am taking from this course is the concept that I am made in perfection, for perfection. And that I create my own reality...as long as I have faith. I even did create my own reality. For a little while I had everything I ever wanted. But soon, fear crept in, and everything changed in an instant. Maybe its an underlying belief that I don't deserve it. Or maybe I just let it go because I thought I could do better. I haven't quite figured that out yet. Time will tell.

Thank you very much for the course.

Jennifer Hagar

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the , is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.


 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Spirit-Quest

This is a short essay from a minister who has completed the Spirit-Quest:

Wow!!! What have I learned? Let me start from my beginning:

Well, there is so much that I have learned. So much practice and so

much growth in the last six months. I feel that I am in a constant mode of change

and evolution.

My own personal experience may explain what I mean by changes. After

taking my discourses, I realized that I was receiving information about people

and their need for healing. Names of people would come to my head. When I would

contact them, they indeed needed some type of physical or emotional healing. I

also saw colors, and was directed through colors to where I should work on

someone or myself.

I started working with people by facilitating sessions for them, the

changes that occurred in some of these people was amazing, however I want to

make sure that you the reader understand that these people were the ones wanting

this healing and I was just a channel that facilitated that healing, it was

not me doing the work it was the Source, the Creator of all things.

I found that I could no longer eat certain types of foods. My body

only wanted those things that were good for me, this please me immensely. It also

provided me with more energy than I had ever had before. Meats were no longer

appealing to me, where before I enjoyed meats like everyone else. Wine had

always been a problem for me. I found it better to stay away from wine all together.

My allergies were a year round happening. I lived on allergy pills. This

new lifestyle really helped as I no longer had to take allergy pills, or

ibuprofen for headaches as these went away as well. I now only take allergy

pills every once in a while when allergy season is at its highest.

The most wonderful and beneficial thing for me was to be able to make a

connection with the Divine. This is something that was so special for

me that I would never regret having gone through this course; on the contrary

it made me whole. Once undergoing the process, if you are committed to your

spiritual enfoldment, it will rock your world. Nothing will ever be the same.

Life will be much richer and fuller, you will be happy within yourself. You will

no longer look at external means for happiness. Your husband will become

a companion, yet not your source of happiness. You will love your

children, family, friends, yet they are no longer your only source of happiness.

Happiness will lie within you, and that is what I found. I will not

tell you that I have no challenges, I find that now I can cope with them much

easier. I see them in a different light. To be able to take the tools that I

have learned in the last year and apply them to life is what has made a huge difference.

I came to the realization that I am the best chocolate cake out there.

There is no chocolate cake better than me. Everything else is frosting added to

the cake as one of the ladies I know stated.

My life continues to evolve and I find that I see life through

different eyes. My evolution started over seven years ago, however I know that I have been connected all my life. This discourse has fine tuned all that I have

learned throughout the years. The practice of mastery is what has made the

difference. Being able to take a concept and practice it for a week or however

long is necessary is what I have found makes the difference

Life is a wonderful thing and to understand your role in life you need

to look within yourself, understand your soul purpose and search within for

answers. No one can do this for you, only you can do this for you. Everyone is

born with a purpose, something you are here to learn during this lifetime,

or you are meant to do. Have you thought of what your purpose is? Have you

looked within to figure out how you can be happy within yourself? (This is a

challenge that only you can figure out for yourself.

No matter what your religion or set of beliefs are, Spirit-Quest may

enrich your life and experience, if you are willing to look within yourself to

discover your life purpose. First of all, you will need quiet time for

yourself. To look within yourself, you will need time to meditate.

There are many ways of accomplishing this; spirit quest may not be for

everyone, however it was for me. It did enrich my life. I was able to experience

something very rich, how it is related to every aspect of our being,

from emotional happiness to emotional difficulty, physical illnesses,

relationships,programming and more.

This is what this experience has done for me. It has made me more

aware of my body, my mind, my soul and it has connected me to the Divine Source,

the creator of all things. I now find life to be richer, fuller and

something that I truly can enjoy on a moment-by-moment basis.

By staying in the now I can ensure forward movement of my life. I can

co-create with the Universe. I can plan my day every morning and work with the

Universal life force to manifest those things that I need in my life.

That is the power of the work we have down and I would recommend it to

anyone that is looking to practice mastery.

Maria Herrera

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Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit-Quest

By John Peterson

Spirit Quest

First, let me mention, I have been enlightened by this course. The topics are genuine and always cause me to ponder, wonder and apply to this lifetime. Essay – Changes in my Life.I have been though many changes over the last several years, study of theology, alternative medicine practices and self-awareness. All of which have formed a new perspective of looking at issues that I have, that others have. Looking out from this body from the Spirit and Soul, I see the need in others, to have a Path to follow.

To understand that there is a choice they can make to heal themselves, to manifest the need that this life requires. Through this course, I have identified myself, my Spirit. I once had a huge void inside, in my heart. I did not understand the void, only to know that I felt I was missing something in my life. Purpose? Why am I (we) here? What was causing the weight in my heart?Coincidence? Things happen for a reason. My hip required an adjustment. I asked around, who had a great chiropractor. I was lead to an office that was on my drive home. Upon arriving, the new patient paperwork, I was sent to a room to wait.

When the door opened and the Doctor came in, all she could say was, “Wow, you’ve got a huge Aura!" I quickly responded by, “My name is John, my color is blue!” “I’m Dr. Lisa, and my color is Green. I’m a healer” she piped back. “You can do anything you need to for my health”, I offered. From then on, Dr. Lisa introduced me to energy working people, self-healing classes, meditation, crystal energy and more. I have pursued energy work very passionately. I am a study of Reiki, and the Chakras and other modalities. During a self-healing exercise years ago, Soul Fragmentation Retrieval, I became incredibly aware. I have become very empathic, Clairsentient and have become a Medical Intuitive. I provide Spiritual Healing services and body scans. I see Auras around people and have regarded this as a measure of one’s Spirituality, and is very accurate. I have no fear when it comes to the Spirit.

When I see an Aura, I immediately comment to that person how gorgeous it is, then go into the meaning their Aura. Often, I sense the level of energy their chakras carry, connect to their Spirit and scan their physical body to identify problems they carry by the imbalance in the Aura field. People need to be aware of the great experiences that can be available to them, just by asking.I continue to have great experiences.

My Soul is at peace with my Path. I am continually amazed at the information provided to us and am recognizing more ways the messages come to us. We all need to listen with our Heart. This is where I carry my Spirit. Filling the void I once had. Lighting my Path.When you look at issues from the Soul’s perspective, the real ‘Why’ comes out. Only Truth. Letting go of the Ego is the healing we all need. My roses are in bloom!If only all could see their Spirit.

Thank you Spirit Quest. For opening up new possibilities.

John E. Peterson

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have multiple classes in Christianity, Wicca, Religious Philosophy, three courses in Metaphysics. a course in Buddhism, a re-vamped course on Shamanism, and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Spirit Quest

I took the Spirit-Quest Master of Metaphysics Home Study Course. I greatly enjoyed it. Every week I looked forward to the new course email and the thought-provoking ideas it contained.

Over all, the course was very good. There were some things I learned that, although I have read many books on metaphysics and similar subjects, I had never seen presented in such an elegant and simple way.

There was, however, an idea or set of ideas, that I did not agree with. I will discuss this and then go forward into a few of the many things that I did agree with.

Summarized in Lesson 8, ‘Getting What You Want’, is the series of ideas I most disagreed with in the course. These ideas are similar to what I found in a book I read in high school, called ‘Think and Grow Rich’, by Napolean Hill. I was captivated by the idea that I could make things happen by my thoughts and actions.

It is true. As stated in the course and many other books and schools of thought, we can ‘make things happen’ with our thoughts and behavior. There are few times, however, when I have ever seen the drawbacks of this philosophy of life discussed.

It is quite simply the truth that we often don’t know what is good for us. What we often want is usually not what we need, and focusing narrowly only on our own wants and needs can lead to selfishness, narcissism and arrogance.

There was a period in my life when I concentrated on ‘making’ things happen (usually through visualization), and they often came about. But such shallow goals as we think we desire often fall short once achieved, like ripened fruit that rots in our hand once we have grasped it.

On the positive side were several things in the course that are absolutely life-changing. The first thing was something I had already spent years learning, and that was about ‘forgiveness’. Had I seen the subject matter discussed in Lesson Two earlier in my life, it may have saved me a lot of pain. I had often been told that it is ‘good to forgive’, but never why. I did not know that forgiveness is for the one who forgives, for the freedom that forgiveness brings. That is one of the single most important things, I believe, that any person can learn in life. It was well-presented in this course.

One of the other great ideas presented in the course, that really did change my life, was the idea of the ‘Grounding Cord’ presented in Lesson Three. I had also seen similar visualization techniques presented in other places, but I rejected them with a simple thought: ‘Am I really connecting to the center of the Earth…?’ I thought, ‘No, that’s a ridiculous idea’.

I tried the visualization, however, and I have to admit that it completely changed my meditation practices ever since.

For some reason, when I did the visualization, I felt more ‘grounded’. Now, how could that be, unless it was some kind of illusion or self-hypnosis? Yet, I could not argue with the fact that the technique worked and the effects lasted, in most cases, for the rest of the day.

This led me to a long thought process, through which I could interpret the experience. I think that (and note, this is only my own interpretation), that when I visualize the ‘center of the Earth’, I actually am making contact with the unconscious center of me. That idea makes so much sense and seems to tie in with many systems of philosophy and mythology. Although I would like to explore this idea at length, due to time and space constraints, I don’t think that would be practical here.

I did notice, however, that the experience of meditative depth occurred whether I visualized a cord or cable connecting me to the center of the Earth, a stone dropping to the deepest level of the ocean floor, or myself going down an infinitely deep spiral staircase. Please note again, this is only my interpretation, and my own private experience.

I also noticed, based on ideas I found in the metaphysics course, that if I visualized (realistically, with touch, sight, smell and sound) releasing and watching a helium balloon rise, I come in touch with, in a sense, my ‘higher’ self. After holding this image in my mind, I felt buoyant, happy, and free.

So I incorporated these two simple visualizations into my daily meditation routine. It is my way to connect with and acknowledge my higher and lower self. My way, if you will, to ‘integrate’ myself on all levels. As the first part of my meditation each day, I take deep breaths while dropping a cord or coming into contact with my ‘deeper’ self, and then I take a few more deep breaths and acknowledge and greet my ‘higher’ self. I do not use words, since I think these parts of myself are beyond words. The visualizations work perfectly, every time.

For that gift of insight and the many ideas and concepts presented in the metaphysics course, I give sincere thanks to Amy and ULC.

Rev. Chuck Rackers

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Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

The Key to Metaphysics

What is Metaphysics?

Prior to this course I would have thought it was some type of science. I would have been right to a degree but to bring that understanding to a sharper idea I would describe it as the Science of One. It is the great secret held from man. It is the law of attraction, connection and quantum physics all in one. Prior to the course, I was a student of all beliefs, traditions, and religions. With an open mind I have gone threw most of the major belief systems. There are many common threads in the ideas but the missing link is metaphysics.

Metaphysics sets all the responsibility right on your lap. Right where it belongs. The release of guilt and understanding of positive thought and action coupled with the lessons learned allows one to excel beyond the guilt. It becomes like a trampoline in that at first it is hard to begin but once momentum is achieved there is unlimited drive. Not to say one will not fall from time to time but once you have got the momentum once thane you know how to get it back. Once you understand the principals you have no real limit to what you can achieve.

Recently the global view is beginning to shift. As we are all connected on the energy level as thoughts shift more people learn these truth’s the easier it is for the whole to accept. You can see the curiosity in others when they hear the word consciousness. There have been documentary films put to the mainstream. “What the Bleep Do We Know?” and “The Secret” have made the facts quite clear. This is very positive because once you hear something you can’t forget it. The more people begin to see the benefits other achieve they will be drawn to question how this is done. How do they live a life where they seem to be in control, where luck is abound? Metaphysics loosens the shackles of the physical world through understanding. The more you shine, the more others will follow and the understanding will free them. It is like a chain reaction that has already begun.

I dream of a world in which we can all see the only truth. Where we understand that we are all equally free. That we all work with one power source. That we shape our whole world on how wither we choose to act or react to situations. Someday perhaps we will come to an understanding that we are all blessed, rich, powerful beings who have a much greater control over the things around them than they could ever believe.

Matthew T. Volk

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the , is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.


 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

ULC Monastery Not Affiliate with headquarters

CHANGES AT THE UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH

ULC - Universal Life Church & Online Seminary This is an important announcement regarding some changes that have been happening at the Universal Life Church.

For additional, independent verification of what's going on, click Monastery.

As some of you are aware, the ulc.org site has changed hands. Due to a series of unconfirmed circumstances, there was an abrupt change of leadership and ownership of the ulc.org domain name and site. It is currently in the control of George Freeman and his associates, currently signing the site as 'Br. Martin'. The circumstances of this change are in dispute among the parties. With the announcement going out, I felt it necessary to add a page to the Seminary site to let people know what's going on.

For many years, the ulc.org site was owned by Daniel Zimmerman. Many of you have had dealings with him and have formed your own opinions as to his honesty and integrity. Until recently, the ulc.org site (known as The Monastery) was an authorized site affiliated with headquarters.

As of August 1, 2006, that is no longer the case. From that point on, if you were ordained at the ulc.org site, your ordination was not sent to headquarters, nor were you recorded as being a legal minister with the Universal Life Church. If you have any links on your own website to the ulc.org site, I strongly urge you to change the links to www.ulcseminary.org, or to headquarters, to avoid sending anyone to a site that might confuse people as to its true intentions.

The new site still implies a connection between them and ULC Headquarters in Modesto, but no such affiliation exists. We fear this is going to be causing a lot of confusion and misunderstandings among the ministers of the ULC and we hope that, over time, word will spread and those who wish to affiliate with the ULC will steer clear. I believe that Andre Hensley, at headquarters, will be issuing (or may have already issued) a press release, Wikipedia has been changed, and the word is spreading.

Any products you purchase from that site do not have the sanction of headquarters, nor the blessing of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, so proceed with that awareness.

If you are worried in any way that your ordination is in question, please re-ordain yourself on this site or at headquarters directly. Only those ordinations done after Aug. 1st, 2006, on the ulc.org site are in question. To affiliate yourself with this site, please make sure you are signed up to receive the newsletter so you will be kept abreast of everything happening with the ulc.

I hope this answers your questions. If you have any others, please feel free to ask me at amy@ulcseminary.org.

Universal Life Church

WHO'S WHO AT THE UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH

'The ULC Experience'

ULC - Universal Life Church and Online Seminary

The Goal:

At the ULC Seminary, we seek to always be growing, with a focus on educating ULC ministers and giving them a greater sense of validation and legitimacy. This new project may go a long way towards accomplishing that.

The Particulars:

What I'm going to do is to create a 'Who's Who' type of book for the ULC. I'm open to suggestions for a snazzy name, but we're going with 'The ULC Experience' right now. It will be a beautiful (possibly) hardbound book of ULC Ministers. Each minister will get a full page to talk about their personal spiritual journey, why they became ULC ministers, what they are doing with their ministry and what they are all about.

The cost for participation is $50. For that, you will get your full page of information and two copies of the finished book. Be aware that this is an introductory price for the first book. Also, if you refer 5 people who participate, your listing will be free.

This book will be a real published book, with an ISBN number as well as a Library of Congress number. I think this can be an amazing way to validate ourselves as a church as well as each individual minister who participates.

You can talk about your own church, your healing practice, your love of performing weddings, your outreach, your personal revelations, etc. It's entirely up to you. We will likely give each person space for one picture and the book will likely be 8.5 x 11, giving each minister plenty of room.

If you are using your ministry as a business, imagine the credibility you will gain by showing your clients this book. If you are interested and think this is something you'd like to participate in, please fill out the form below so I can get an idea of how many people are going to want to be a part of this great book.

Thanks for your attention and consideration.

Rev. Amy Long -- ULC Seminary Director

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Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Universal Life Church Seminary

Course on Spirit-Quest

Notes on Discourse #1 Setting Spiritual Goals

Initial overall reaction: Much of the material is aimed at a younger, less mature student.

You take charge of your life instead of your life taking charge of you.

In my years of counseling adolescent first-time offenders, I have made it clear that in their early childhood they were the object of their parents and teachers decision-making about their lives so that it was likely they felt life simply happened to them they were the object of the sentence whose verb was to live. But the process of maturity and becoming an adult is a process of learning the decisions are theirs to make they are the subject, not the object, of the sentence. Thus, while they are naturally experiencing the drive to break away from parental and other authority, it is important as they do so to make two important changes in mind-set they will set them free:

1) If they are the behavior-setters, they must accept the role of critic and be personally proud of their behavior. They are the only persons who will always be there wherever they go. They are ultimately going to evaluate themselves on the basis of their own choices.

2) They must no longer concentrate on what they are breaking from and begin to set the goals and directions for their lives so that behavior is not merely random and rebellious, but directed and measurable against these goals, bring them a source of pride and self-esteem as they reach closer to them.

I have always felt that simply scolding or threatening brings resentment and a broader chasm between the offender and his society. Healing and positive redirection requires identifying common goals and acceptance direction and focus on the future rather than on the past.

Defining My Spiritual Goals

There is a difference between setting action steps toward a vision of a successful life and defining spiritual maturity (goals) in terms of material action steps. I suppose this difference is the point being made in the comparison of multiple attempts to define spiritual goals. But, at my age, this process has long been reviewed.

I have often asked myself, if a genie came from a jar in my possession and granted me three wishes, what would I reply. My first wish was good health for a long lifetime (because it would empower me to pursue other goals). The second was for great wisdom (for the same purpose). These two would empower me to acquire whatever else I would need. But having one wish remaining, and knowing there might be many other reasons to be granted a wish, my third wish would then be to be granted three more wishes! Should this be rejected by my genie, I would then ask for the material wealth to undertake the many personal and social projects I would be developing.

However, these wishes are not piritual goals, and in themselves do not address the interaction of my self and the cosmos which defines the interconnection we think of as spiritual. One of the most interesting experiments I have read concerned two large plants that were in the care of a gardener. He withheld watering them for some time, creating a œthirst which was emotionally recorded in the changing Kirlian auras and Crescographic emissions of the plants. Then, he began to water one of the plants. He expected that plant to show “pleasureâ€� in its changing image. But both plants reacted. The plant ignored became excited by its exclusion. The plant being watered showed stress and concern that its “companionâ€� was ignored! Many experiments have shown how plants and animals react to positive and negative “psychologicalâ€� stimuli, to harmonious and disharmonious music, etc. Humans, who egotistically believe themselves to be better than any other organism, have not only failed to recognize their interconnectedness with the cosmos, but pointedly suppress all the mental processes that would develop this sense in an insistence on rationality from earliest childhood learning onward.

My spiritual goal has therefore been to realize, be increasingly sensitive to, and to achieve unity with the cosmos from which I received my life and strength and to which both shall ultimately return: a unity which would form a balance with the equally natural drive for the persistence of the Self (often called self-preservation). It is the failure to seek and accept this balance that has led many to the sense of alienation and false notions concerning good and evil, haunting our philosophies and our religions.

Now that all that is said (!), life goals have included such items as: (a) to master my chosen profession (which has not always been the same); (b) to find a life partner (which I accomplished until her death in 1999, and which therefore is now renewed); (c) to impact my world favorably; and (d) to express myself creatively.

When? Deadlines are inappropriate. The process is never-ending. Neither perfection nor the universe in which we live is a constant. Change is the process of existence our impact can therefore make a difference and in turn, we and our intentions change.

I am perfect!

I am what I am. Perfection is not a quality, but a judgment. At best it is a match between the Self as an instrument and the purpose to which it is addressed. In a world of change, such a match is always in flux. While negativity and self-condemnation are indeed to be avoided, it is dangerous to think of oneself as perfect and hence incapable of improvement. And it is certainly the case that, in retrospect, I should have been a more self-initiating participant in many household chores, etc., that would have completed my wife's image of a life partner!

Keep your word!

Here, my father's impact upon me is recalled. For him, as for me and my siblings, the reverence of our selves and of others for our family name as standing for truth and fidelity was paramount. Success was never equated with material gain. Keeping your word was always a major factor in defining the acceptable life.

Short term goals

Goals are not short term. 'Action steps' that bring one closer to and ultimately to achieve goals can be short term. In my occasional 'preaching' (in or out of a pulpit), I ask that one avoid setting goals too small and easily reached. It is like climbing a small hill and sitting on the pinnacle. The result is a limited view and a sore butt. Goals should engage the whole person”one's strengths, skills, vision, resources and experience”to achieve a dream that represents one's role in the divine symphony that is the Wholeness of Life. That doesn't mean you can't have a to do list for the coming week!

George Oppenheimer, Jr.

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